Estee uses his years of culinary experience to guide viewers through the process of creating this savory twist on a classic dish, emphasizing its simplicity and deliciousness. He prefers using the ZLINE Professional 48” Dual Fuel Range (RA48) and High-Powered 48” Range Hood (KB-48) for optimal results.
Estee lists the necessary ingredients:
- Arborio Rice
- Olive Oil
- Parmesan Cheese
- Black Pepper
- Kosher Salt
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Bacon
- Lettuce
- Butter
He starts by preparing the stock, an essential component for the risotto. It is important to note that Estee is creative and dynamic with his stock - he uses onion skins, carrots celery, and more to ensure there is no waste. He begins by cooking the onions in a pot with oil, and waiting until they are translucent to add the rice. Estee then demonstrates the technique of gradually adding stock to the risotto. It is essential to continually taste the stock and make sure it is up to standards, as the stock will be absorbed by the rice.
As the risotto cooks, Estee prepares the bacon, and shares tips on using the burners effectively. He mentions that with ZLINE, he is able to achieve a consistent high and low temperature, which is key for risotto. The preparation of the BLT components follow, with a checkpoint to ensure the rice is cooking properly. In the final steps, Estee incorporates bacon fat into the risotto for added flavor, adds the finishing touches, and plates the BLT risotto.
By following the steps in the video, viewers can recreate this delicious BLT risotto at home, enhancing their culinary skills with guidance from an experienced chef.
